Statement from the Tánaiste on EU-US trade

"I want to welcome confirmation from President Trump that the threatened higher tariffs are paused until 9 July.

"This follows contact between President von der Leyen and the US President who spoke yesterday, as well as the discussions on Friday between Commissioner Šefčovič and his US counterparts.

"These contacts at the highest political level present the opportunity for negotiations to move forward. This is our priority. We want to see meaningful and substantive talks.

"The EU-US economic relationship is an engine of growth for the entire world. There is no doubt that the circumstances are challenging at present but I am confident that we can find a way forward.

"Ireland will continue to contribute actively and positively to these efforts. I remain in close and ongoing contact with Commissioner Šefčovič and with our EU partners and, of course, we will continue our outreach to the US.

"We have much work to do and no time to waste to find a deal that that is good for both economies and protects jobs and investment."